Hat steaming and blocking attachment



Nov. 22, 1932. H. DIENER HAT STEAMING AND BLOCKNG' ATTACHMENT original Filed/Nov. 15, 1926 2 sheets-sheet 2 .cnoOOQOO gwen/CQ@ Patented Nov. 22, 1932 PATENT Fries I-IYMAN DIENEE, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRCT OF COLUMBIA HAT STEAMING- AND BLOCKING ATTACHMENT Application filed November 15, 1926, Serial No. 148,563. Renewed April 9, 1932.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in hat steaming and blocking devices and more particularly to a device of the character mentioned applicable to a gars ment pressing machine for use as an attachment thereto whereby the steam utilized for the machine may be likewise utilized for this hat steaming and blocking attachment.

The primary object ot the invention is to provide a simple, inexpensive and eiiicient cleaning and blocking device which maybe quickly and readily applied to any and all types of garment pressing` machines whereby tailors and others using machines of this character may be in position to accept the business of cleaning and blocking hats in addition to the cleaning and pressing of other wearing apparel. A

ifi further ob 'ect of the invention resides in providing a device of the character men tioned which may be quickly and readily applied to the table or support of a garment pressing machine and connected with a steam pipe leading from the steam generator, which is usually present in the well known types of garment pressing machines now on the market.

n. still Afurther object of the invention resides in constructing the device in such manner as will enable hats of varioussiz-es and vaious shapes to be readily accommodated for the steaming and blocking operations. Another object ot the invention resides in constructing the device so as to protect the sweat band of the hat against the action of steam while the brim and crown portions of the hat are being steamed and blocked. y

Still another object resides in constructing the device in such a manner and of such ma- *e torial as will minimize the chances of the hat being shrunk or stretched in the steaming and blocking process.

With these and numerous other objects in view, the invention consists in the novel Jfea- 5 tures of construct-ion, combination and arrangement of parts kas will be hereinafter referred to and more particularly pointed out in the specification and claims.

ln the accompanying drawings, forming a.

part of this application,

Figure l is a side elevation of a device constructed in accordance with my invention and applied to the table or bed of a pressing machine.

Figure 2 is a plane view thereof with parts l55 broken away and parts in section to illustrate the interlocking elements.

lFigure 3 is an irregular vertical transverse section through the device.

Figure el is a fragmentary perspective view of one of the segments of the block removed.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary perspective viewY of one of the ring members used to connect he segments of the block with the head member.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary vertical section of a slight modification of the invention.

Figure 7 is a horizontal section therethrough as seen on the line T-T of Figure 6, and 470 Figures 8, 9, l0 and l1 are respectively perspective views of the interlocking elements used in connection with the modiiied form oi the invention.

r"he majority of tailors and others in the-75 business of cleaning and pressing wearing apparel use the well-known garment pressing machines which have steam generating means in connection therewith. Various attachments have been invented and used on such machin-es for the assistance of the operator in the pressing of various garments and parts thereof, but no machine has heretofore been provided with an attachment thereon where hats may be blocked and steamed on the same S5 machine with the device for pressing garments. The business of cleaning, steaming and blocking hats is, therefore, lost to the tailor or other operator of a pressing machine unless he installs an expensive and complicated machine tor cleaning and blocking hats which is a separate apparatus from the garment pressing machine.

My hat steaming and blocking attachment is particularly adapted for use in connection with the well-known garment pressing machines, wherein steam generating means is provided and the invention contemplates the use oi' the same steam generated for use in the garment pressing machines, so that this invention may be readily applied to such machines at a comparatively small cost. This will enable the tailor or owner ofthe garment pressing machine to accept business involving the cleaning and blocking of hats, the hats to be cleaned in the regular cleaning establishment or elsewhere as is usually done with Wearing apparel while the steaming and blocking of the hats may be accomplished by the owner of the machine with the attachment which I have invented and disclosed herewith.

In describing my invention, I shall refer to the drawings in which similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views and in which 1 designates a table or support, such as is usually provided in garment pressing machines. In such machines, a boiler (not shown) for generating steam is usually provided immediately adjacent one end of this table and my invention contemplates the use of steam generated from this boiler for my hat steaming and blocking attachment. To this end I provide a steam pipe 2 which connected with the steam generator (not shown) and projects through the table or support 1 in the manner as shown in Figure 1 or in any other fashion as may be desired, there being a valve (not shown) in the length of this pipe to manually control the flow of steam therethrough. Mounted on the top of the table or support 1 is a collar or sleeve 3 to which the lead-in steam pipe 2 may be connected and removably connected with this sleeve or collar and extending upwardly therefrom is a steam Vpipe 4 which acts as a support for my improved hat steaming and blocking attachment.

The attachment comprises an inner perforated head member 5 formed of metal or other desired material, preferably aluminum. This head member is hollow and substantially dome-shaped, the perforations therein, designated by the numeral 6 being arranged in series throughout the surface thereof, as clearly shown in Figure 3 of the drawings. Formed or otherwise carried on the lower peripheral edge of the head member 5 is a depending annular channel-shaped member 7 which provides an annular chamber suspended below the head member and formed or otherwise carried on the upper. edge of the outer wall of said channel-shaped member 7 f is an outstanding downwardly directed flange 8. This flange which is perforated as shown by the numeral 9 is adapted to receive and support thereon the brim of a hat to be steamed and blocked and the chamber surrounding and suspended below the head member 5 is adapted to receive the sweat band of said hat, as will appear more particularly from the following description. The walls of the member 7 are constructed so as to enable the same to be fitted or lined with asbestos designated by the numeral 10 to prevent heat from attacking the sweat band when received in the chamber formed by the member 7.

A bowl-shaped base member 11 is provided which has its peripheral edge formed on, secured to or otherwise connected with the outer edge of the brim supporting flange 8, said bowl-shaped base being provided centrally of its bottom with a depending internally threaded collar 12 which is engaged with the upper externally threaded portion of the pipe 4. A steam chamber is thus formed in this base portion 11, the steam received therein through the pipe 4 being adapted to How through the openings 9 in the brim supporting flange 8 and through the openings 6 in the head member 5.

The blocking portion of the attachment is adapted to be applied to the steam supplying portion described above and to this end' I provide a blocking member 13 which consists preferably of four arcuate segments, each perforated as shown at 14, said segments being so shaped as to provide, when brought in juxta-position, a dome-shaped block adapted to receive the crown portion of a hat thereon. This crown receiving member 13, formed of segments as described, is preferably formed of aluminum but may be constructed of other desirable material, and the same is adapted to be applied to the head member 5 so as to receive the crown portion of a hat thereon, permitting the sweat band Vof said hat to be received in the chamber formed by the channel member 7 and the brim of the hat to be received on the brim supporting flange 8.

I have provided an improved means for supporting the segments or quadrants of the member 13 on the head member 5 so that the block may accommodate hats of various sizes with crowns of various heights. To this end, each of the segments 13 has formed or otherwise secured to the inner face adjacent the lower edge thereof an inwardly projecting locking lug 14 which is T-shaped in cross section and tapers smaller from the upper to the lower end thereof, as clearly shown in Figure 4 of the drawings. A metallic ring member 15 is provided and adapted to be applied to the head member 5 to snugly lit the outer periphery of the latter, said ring being provided at predetermined portions therein with T-shaped slots 16 tapered from the upper to the lower ends thereof similar to the tapering of the lug 14. Obviously upon engaging the lugs 14 in the slots 16 of the ring member 15, the segments of the member 13 may be held to the ring member and in position with relation to the head member 5. Pins or pegs 17 are adapted to be inserted in openings in the head member 5 to project beyond the periphery of the latter so as to support the ring member 15 in position, said pins or pegs projecting beyond the ring member to also support the lower edge of the blocking member 13, as shown in Figure 3 of the drawings.

I have described one ring 15 but it will be understood that a number of such rings are Yprovided of varying thicknesses, each of the same inner diameter, whereby the segments of the block may be spaced from the head member 5 at various distances according to the size of the hats to be blocked. As many rings 15 are provided as there are sizes of hats to be accommodated on the attachment. In order to accommodate hats having crowns of varying heights, the pins or pegs 1? are provided which may be raised or lowered to enter into a lower or higher opening` 6 in the head member 5 which correspondingly support the ring member 15 and the segments 13 higher or lower, as the case may be. It will be seen also that the channel-shaped member 7 is of such width as to provide a chamber adapted to receivethe sweat band of a hat, regardless of the size of the latter.

When a hat is to be steamed and blocked, the size of the hat is first determined and the proper ring 15 applied to the head memv ber 5 which, when the segments of the member 13 are applied thereto, will produce a block of the proper size for that particular hat. The segments 13 are then engaged with the member 15 by inserting the lugs 14C in the slots 16 and a fabric cover 18 is applied to the block or crown receiving member 13 to absorb a certain amount of moisture. The hat,designated in the drawings by the numeral 19, is then applied to the block, the brim 2O of the hat being supported on the brim supporting flange 8 and the sweat vband `21 of the hat being turned down to be received in the chamber formed by the channel member 7, as clearly shown in Figure 3 of the drawings. Pivoted clips 22, under action of springs (not shown) in connection with the pintles thereof7 carried on the base portion 11 are adapted to engage the brim 2O of the hat to hold said brim in position. Any other form of brim retaining means may be provided, as desired. The steam valve is then opened to permit the steam to enter the chamber from whence said steam will How freely to the brim and crown portions of the hat., and while being steamed, these portions of the hat are blocked hand in the usual manner.

While the brim and crown portions of the hat receive the steam in direct contact therewith, which is quite essential in the blocking process, it will be seen that the particular construction presented prevents said steam from coming in contact with the sweat band. Being disposed within this annular chamber, as herein shown and described, the sweat band is free from contact with the steam. Thus, one having his hat cleaned under this process saves the expense of supplying anew sweatband, which is ordinarily necessary when a hat is cleaned.

At the junction of the channel member and the lower peripheral edge of the member 5, there is an olf-set or shoulder which is channeled as shown at 23. rlhis channel will` collect thereon any condensation of the steam which may seep through the connected elements thereabove.

In Figures 6 to 11, inclusive, I have shown4 75 a slightly modified form of my invention,

particularly as to the means of adjustably securing the blocking segments to thehead member. In this modification, I have represented the head member by the numeral 50 and the segments of the outer block by the numeral 13. This head member and the segments are perforated as shown in the preferred form of the invention described hereabove. Secured to t-he inner face of each?.-5

segment 13 adjacent this lower end is a clip 24 which is channel-shaped in cross section, open at its lower end, closed at its upper end and slotted in its front face as shown at 25. Additional similarly formed clips 26 are 90 In other words the upper end of the clips 26f795 are open while the lower end thereof isclosed. rIhe rear wall of the clips 26 are provided with vertically alining openings 27 which are adapted to register with the perforations in the head member 5, as clearly shown in. Figure 6, for a purpose to be hereinafter and more particularly set forth. Removable interlocking lugs 28 are provided, the same being formed of any desired material and designed H-shaped in cross section. The onefv arm of the H is adapted to be received in the clip on the head member 5 and the other arm of the lug engaged wtih the clip 24 on the segment 13. @bviously the width of lthe l-l-shaped lugs determine the size of the-block?- formed on this device and various sizes'of lugs are provided according to the sizes of the hats to be blocked, Figures 10 Vand 11 illustrating` two different sizes of lugs. l/Vhen itis desiredto increase the height of the-blockt to accommodate a high crowned hat, a pin 29 is inserted in one or the openings 27 which projects beyond the front face of the clips 26 to act as a support for the lower end of the lug 28, obviously retaining the lugs and'lzo the segments 13 connected therewith in a higher relation with respect to the head member y5.

It will be seen that lthis modification of the invention permits of the adjustment of' 125 member, the modification described is the'130 same as the form of device previously described.

From the foregoing it will be seen that I have provided a simple, inexpensive and eilicient means for carrying out the objects of the invention and while I have particularly described the elements best adapted to perform the functions set forth, it is obvious that various changes in form, proportion and in the minor details of construction may be 'resorted to, without departing from the spirit or sacriicing any of the principles of the invention.

Having described my invention what I claim is: h

1. In a hat steaming and blocking device, a crown receiving member, interchangeable means for varying the size thereof, a brim receiving member and means for receiving and protecting the sweat band of a hat against the action of steam.

2. In a hat steaming and blocking device, a crown receiving member, a brim receiving member, a sweat band receiving and protecting member and interchangeable means for varying said crown receiving member to accommodate hats of varied shapes and sizes.

3. In a hat steaming and blocking device, a crown receivin member, a brim receiving member, a sweat and receiving and protecting member and interchangeable means for varying said crown receiving member vertically and radially to accommodate hats of varied sha and sizes.

4. In a at steaming and blocking device, a crown receiving member, interchangeable means for varying the size thereof, a stationary brim receiving member and a sweat band receiving and protecting member in connection with the latter.

5. In a hat steaming and blocking device, a, crown receiving member, interchangeable means for varying the size thereof, a stationary brim receiving member and a sweat band receiving and protecting member formed integral with the last mentioned member.

6. In a hat steaming and blocking device, a crown receiving member, interchangeable means for varyin the size of said member vertically and radially, a stationary brim receiving member and a sweat band receiving and protectin member connected with the last mentione member.

7. In a hat steaming and blocking device, a. steam head, a crown receiving member mounted thereon, interchangeable means for varying said crown receiving member vertically and radially with respect to said head, a. brim receiving member and a sweat band receiving and protecting member.

8. In a hat steaming and blocking device, a steam head, a crown receiving member mounted thereon, interchangeable means for adjusting said crown receiving member vertically and radially with respect to said head,

a brim receiving member arranged stationary with respect to said head and a sweat band receiving and protecting member in connection with said brim receiving member.

9. In a hat steaming and blocking devicef'lO a steam head, a segmental crown receiving member mounted thereon and surrounding the same, interchangeable means for varying the relation of said segmental crown receiving member with respect to said head, and a brim receiving member.

10. In a hat steaming and blocking device, a steam head, a segmental crown receiving member mounted thereon and surroundingv the same, interchangeable means for varying the relation of said crown receiving member with respect to said head, a brim receiving member and a sweat band receiving and protecting member.

11. In a hat steaming and blocking device.r a steam head, a segmental crown receiving member and means disposed internally of said crown receiving member for removably securing the segments ot said member to saidV head.

12. In a hat steaming and bloc-king device, a steam head, a segmental crown receiving member and interlocking means between the individual segments of said member and saidy head to interchangeably secure the former to the latter.

13. Ina hat steaming and blocking device, a steam head, a segmental crown receiving member and interchangeable interlocking means between the segments of said member and said head for varying radially and vertically the former with respect to the lat-ter.

14. In a hat steaming and blocking device. a steam head, a segmental crown receiving member, interchangeable means for securing the segments of said member to said head to permityariation to accommodate hats of various sizes, a brim receiving member and a sweat band receiving member.

15. In a hat steaming and blocking device, a steam head, a segmental crown receiving member, interchangeable interlocking means between said head and the individual segments of said member permitting variation of said segments vertically and radially with respect to said head, a brim receiving member and a sweat band receiving member.

16. In a hat steaming and blocking device, asteam head, a segmental crown receiving member, interchangeable means for securing the segments of the member to said head, a sweat band receiving member connected with said head and a brim receiving member connected with the latter member.

17. In a hat steaming and blocking device, a perforated steam head, a segmental crown receiving member having the segments thereof perforated, interchangeable means for securing said segments to the head, a perforated brim receiving member, an imper- LSU forate sweat band receiving member connecting said head and brim receiving member and heat resisting means applied to the imperforate member.

18. In a hat steaming and blocking device of the class described, a segmental crown receiving member, interchangeable means for varying the segments vertically and radially, a brim receiving member and means for supplying the steam to said members.

19. In a hat steaming and blocking device of the class described, a segmental crown receiving member, interchangeable means for varying individually the segments vertically and radially to accommodate hat crowns of various sizes, a stationary brim receiving member and means for supplying steam to said members.

20. In a hat steaming and blocking device of the class described, a segmental crown receiving member, interchangeable means for varying individually the segments vertically and radially to accommodate hat crowns of various sizes, a stationary brim receiving member, means for supplying steam to said crown and brim receiving members, and means connected directly to said brim receiving member for receiving and protecting the sweat band of a hat against the action of the steam.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

HYMAN DIENER. 

